Siemens Introduces Pure, New Hearing Instrument Designed for People with Mild to Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

Pure features Siemens exclusive SoundSmoothing technology, the world’s first transient noise suppression technology. In a recent study conducted at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) noise-reduction algorithm used in SoundSmoothing to reduce non-speech transient sounds was shown to offer benefits to the hearing aid wearer in terms of comfort, with no noticeable effect on speech intelligibility or localization. Pure is available in two performance levels and in the smallest available RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) and CIC (Completely-in-Canal) configurations. It was engineered to provide the exact strength the wearer needs with the flexibility of three different power levels (S-Receiver 45 dB, M-Receiver 55 dB, P-Receiver 65 dB). It automatically synchronizes, analyzes, and adjusts volume and sound processing so the wearer does not have to alter the device in various listening environments…

Purely Discreet: Siemens Hearing Instruments Launches Pure – a New Hearing Device that Seamlessly Blends in with the Wearer’s Lifestyle

Pure Offers the Ultimate Combination of Discretion, Power and Customizable Options for People With Mild to Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

One in every ten Americans has hearing loss, and this number is expected to double as the baby boomers reach retirement age and beyond, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. Only 22 percent of those with hearing loss currently use hearing instruments, but now there is a solution for people who may be hesitant to wear a hearing instrument because of the fear of being perceived differently or feeling “old.”

Pure,RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)

Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc., a leading manufacturer of hearing instruments in the United States, introduced Pure®, a nearly invisible hearing instrument designed for individuals with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Featuring Siemens exclusive SoundBrilliance and SoundSmoothing® technologies, Pure is being unveiled at the American Academy of Audiology’s 20th Annual AudiologyNOW! Conference, being held from April 2 to 5, 2008, in Charlotte, N.C. (Booth #1825).

Pure, Siemens Hearing Instrument

“Many people simply do not want to be seen wearing a hearing instrument, creating one of the biggest barriers to people who could truly benefit from wearing one,” said Dr. Thomas Powers, Vice President of Audiology and Professional Relations at Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. “Siemens designed Pure to be the most discreet instrument on the market, blending seamlessly into the wearer’s daily life and activities. It is the only combination of an ultra small, powerful and very discreet hearing instrument for people with up to moderately severe hearing loss.”

Pure, CIC (Completely-in-Canal)

Purely Discreet, Technologically Advanced
Pure features Siemens exclusive SoundSmoothing technology, the world’s first transient noise suppression technology. In a recent study conducted at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) noise-reduction algorithm used in SoundSmoothing to reduce non-speech transient sounds was shown to offer benefits to the hearing aid wearer in terms of comfort, with no noticeable effect on speech intelligibility or localization. Pure also includes SoundBrilliance, a new technology which enhances the perception of higher pitched sounds,

Pure is available in two performance levels and in the smallest available RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) and CIC (Completely-in-Canal) configurations. It was engineered to provide the exact strength the wearer needs with the flexibility of three different power levels (S-Receiver 45 dB, M-Receiver 55 dB, P-Receiver 65 dB). It automatically synchronizes, analyzes, and adjusts volume and sound processing so the wearer does not have to alter the device in various listening environments.

With its TruEar™* technology and e2e® wireless 2.0, Pure gives wearers the ability to localize the source of sound from all directions, thus enabling them to hear more naturally. TruEar technology simulates the acoustical functions of the outer ear and assists wearers in distinguishing sounds in front of them from those behind them, while the e2e wireless 2.0 technology creates a unified system by wirelessly synchronizing both instruments.

Equipped with Siemens new advanced FeedbackBlocker™, Pure searches for feedback patterns in sound frequencies and automatically reduces or eliminates them. It also features a set of advanced Speech and Noise Management technologies that combine to automatically identify and reduce environmental background noise to a comfortable level, while isolating and selectively enhancing speech. eWindscreen® constantly monitors the wearer’s environment for wind noise and then automatically softens it.

Pure also offers an on-board automatic and multi-channel adaptive directional microphone*, making it easier for users to understand speech from someone in front of them, while reducing noise signals that come from either side or behind them. This feature has been clinically proven to improve speech clarity in noisy situations like parties or restaurants.

Additionally, Pure offers Siemens patented DataLearning® feature to automatically learn the wearer’s volume preferences in different environments, and enhanced SoundLearning™, which not only remembers volume preferences, but also learns the wearer’s sound quality preferences independently for loud and soft sounds.

Also available is ProPocket™, a remote control which provides easy fingertip control over virtually all instrument functions, and is small enough to fit into a purse or pocket.

Pure is rechargeable*, with only five hours of charging being sufficient to power the instrument all day. However, Pure also operates normally with standard zinc air batteries.

About Siemens Hearing Instruments
Siemens Hearing Instruments, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing instruments in the United States. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Company offers a range of innovative products, solutions and services to Hearing Care Professionals across the United States. Among its innovative products, the Company designs and manufactures a variety of digital hearing instruments in all styles to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) with headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania and Erlangen, Germany, is one of the largest suppliers in the world to the healthcare industry. The Company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Employing approximately 36,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (preliminary figures).

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